Selkirk-based Spark Energy plans staff expansion

Spark chief executive Chris Gauld said the firm was reinvesting its profits back into the business

A Scottish Borders-based energy firm plans to increase its 200-strong workforce by at least a quarter over the next 12 months.

Spark Energy announced its turnover had more than doubled earlier this year.

This week it was awarded £200,000 by Scottish Enterprise to help with plans to expand its business.

Chief executive Chris Gauld said the Selkirk company had found a "niche area" where it could challenge the Big Six energy firms.

"We have reached a stage where we are profitable and cash generating and we have reinvested those profits back into the business," he added.

Spark more than doubled its turnover last year to £40.7m.

It also made its first profit in 2013 - £337,469 - compared with a loss of £3.26m the year before.

Now it aims to add at least 50 new staff to its workforce over the next year, cementing its position as one of the area's biggest employers.